The Ottawa police are establishing a parliamentary unit in response to growing security concerns for MPs, according to a letter obtained by CBC News.
Liberal MP Pam Damoff was informed about the new Parliament District Detachment in a letter she received Wednesday from Sergeant-at-Arms Patrick McDonnell, in response to her request for more protection on Parliament Hill.
McDonnell also confirmed his office has worked with the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) to establish a secure perimeter around West Block, where MPs attend question period.
“We trust that this will allow you and your staff to travel to and from West Block without incident,” McDonnell wrote.
The letter also said the public no longer has access to the Parliamentary Precinct via the Bank and Wellington street entrances or the O’Connor staircase when the House is sitting.
The move comes after several high-profile altercations between anti-government demonstrators and MPs, who’ve reported being harassed, followed and assaulted just steps away from the …